71046
Chest x-ray, 2 views
Radiologic examination of the chest, two views (PA and lateral). The most ordered imaging study in U.S. medicine. CMS 2026 global wRVU 0.22, total RVU approximately 0.89, Medicare global allowable approximately $30 at the national-GPCI conversion factor. Modifier 26 (professional component only) drops the practice-expense portion; modifier TC reports the technical component only.
Billing guidance for 71046 is locked
- When to use it: the exact clinical situations that support billing 71046
- Documentation checklist: the 5 elements your note needs before submitting
- Common pitfalls: the 5 mistakes that get 71046 downcoded or denied
Payer notes
Medicare covers 71046 with no prior authorization. Medicare Advantage typically follows but some plans require prior auth above an annual frequency threshold for the same patient. Commercial payers generally cover; some commercial plans require the CXR to be paired with an E/M on the same date. Annual screening CXR is not a covered Medicare benefit (use a clinical indication); commercial wellness plans may cover annual screening with specific employer riders.